Evaluation of the compatibility between implant and abutment in four dental implant systems

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra and inter- system fit and compatibility be- tween abutment and implant “ad modum” Branemark of implant systems manufactured in Brazil (Conexão and Neodent) and inter- national systems (Branemark and 3I Implant Innovations). Compari- sons were made through evalua- tion of vertical and horizontal gaps at the interface between implant and abutment, using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Data analysis was performed with Anova-Oneway and Tukey’s test, with a 5% sigificance level The lowest mean values for vertical gap were found using abutments Conexão and 3i, and the highest values were found with abut- ments Branemark. Combinations using abutments 3i showed the smallest horizontal gaps followed by the abutments Conexão and Branemark. The highest values for horizontal gap were always seen in the Branemark abutments, which have small diameter in the part contacting the implant. The implant systems analyzed were compatible, and allowed any combinatios of abutments over implants. Intra and inter-system differences were detected. Key words: fit, vertical gap, compatibility, dental implants and abutments.